According to NHK, Sony Corporation has officially acquired a 2.5% stake in Bandai Namco, investing JPY68 billion ($462 million) to strengthen its position in Japan’s entertainment ecosystem. The deal includes the purchase of 16 million shares from existing shareholders and marks a significant expansion of Sony’s influence in anime, gaming, and merchandising.
This move is part of Sony’s broader strategy to maximize IP value through cross-industry collaboration. Bandai Namco will leverage Sony’s strengths in anime production, distribution, and merchandising to scale its content globally. The partnership also includes joint development of anime and manga projects, as well as technical cooperation on immersive entertainment experiences.
Sony’s investment spree continues, with existing stakes in Kadokawa (10.11%), FromSoftware (14.09%), Epic Games (4.9%), and Devolver Digital (5%), among others. According to Bandai Namco EVP Momoi Nobuhiko, the goal is to “maximize IP value by leveraging the appeal and worldview of IP” through optimal timing and regional strategies.
Sony Chief Strategy Officer Toshimoto Mitomo added that the collaboration aims to deliver “new and emotionally moving experiences” by combining both companies’ strengths in entertainment.
